Rising sophomore defensive tackle Darrell Jackson is one of 11 transfers the Miami Hurricanes added for the 2022 season. Jackson was named by On3.Com in their “Transfer portal breakdown: 10 less-hyped transfers you should know in the ACC.” Jackson was a three-star signee with Maryland in 2021.
The 247 Sports composite rankings had Jackson as the 715th ranked player, 90th defensive lineman and 95th in Florida in the Class of 2021. Jackson had 22 tackles as a true freshman playing in all 13 games at Maryland in 2021. At 6’6, 300 pounds, Jackson is imposing in the middle of the defensive line.
Jackson is one of five transfer DL Miami has added since Mario Cristobal became head coach in December. Miami also signed DL in the 2022 Class. Cristobal and his staff have made it a priority to upgrade the play on the line of scrimmage. With three years of eligibility remaining, Jackson is a key part of the Miami future.
Jackson will work with defensive line coach Joe Salave’a who played eight years in the NFL. Salave’a spent the four previous seasons as the DL coach at Oregon under Cristobal. Jackson will be a part of the rotation in 2022 before potentially challenging to become a starter in 2023. Miami will have a lot of DT depth this season.
Miami will need to add more depth at DT ahead of the 2023 season. The Hurricanes could return to the transfer portal to add more DL for 2023. Miami only signed one DT in the 2022 Class and do not have any for 2023. Mike Huguenin of On3 profiled the development Jackson had at Maryland and his future with the Miami Hurricanes.
"Miami DT Darrell JacksonThe particulars: Transfer from MarylandThe buzz: Darrell Jackson was a relatively unheralded recruit from smalltown Havana, Fla., near Tallahassee, who played a bigger role than expected as a true freshman for Maryland last season. Jackson played in all 13 games, with one start, and finished with 22 tackles.His transfer to Miami gives the Hurricanes’ new coaching staff a solid depth piece for this season and a possible starter in 2023 and ’24. Jackson and USC transfer Jacob Lichtenstein…give new coordinator Kevin Steele the potential for a solid five-man group at tackle with…Jared Harrison-Hunte, Jordan Miller and Leonard Taylor."
Antonio Moultrie who was primarily an edge rusher at UAB will mainly be used inside according to Cristobal. The Miami Hurricanes will have more depth at DT this season beyond the six names that have been mentioned. Taylor will anchor the DL with the potential to become an All-American in 2022.
Jackson will provide Miami with a presence in the middle of the defensive line while being able to have another year of development. There will not be pressure for Jackson to produce immediately that many transfers have. Returning home to Florida should allow Jackson to acclimate quickly to the Miami football program.